At a Glance

From global cuisine to Alcatraz — experience the best of the “City by the Bay.” Walk through Chinatown’s 150-year-old food market for a sensory journey past fresh produce, steaming poultry and buckets of swimming fish. Enjoy a private coach excursion, see the highlights of the city, including the Golden Gate Bridge and Fisherman’s Wharf.

Activity Level

Varies by date

MODERATE – 1 mile walking a day, ACTIVE – 2 miles walking a day. The program is designed to minimize walking up San Francisco's many hills. However, walks may still involve inclines and declines, stairs and standing on sidewalks that may not always be even. Some use of public transportation.

Best of all, you'll ...

Discover Alcatraz Island, most famous for the federal penitentiary and home to the first lighthouse on the West Coast, a military garrison and a Native American occupation.

Join a local historian for a look into San Francisco’s devastating fire of 1906 and learn how the city was rebuilt.

Learn about San Francisco's unique architecture from a local expert followed by a docent-led visit to a Victorian home.

General Notes

Use of public transportation with some transfers.

Featured Expert

All Experts

Marie Thomas McNaughton

Marie Thomas McNaughton has been a writer, photographer, speaker, and business communications professional since 1980, when she received her B.A. in English from the University of San Francisco. She received her M.A. in humanities from San Francisco State University in 2006, and enjoys studying the "long nineteenth century" in England, France, and the United States. Marie has published her work in numerous magazines and newspapers, and she enjoys leading public lectures and writing workshops.

This beautifully produced pocket guide to San Francisco is designed for the soulful traveler with a bygone sense of place. Contributors include local artists, musicians and writers who compiled recommendations, essays, illustrations and interviews intended to move the traveler beyond their itinerary.

A cultural history of San Francisco that covers the years from 1967 to 1982 and tells the gripping story of how the city by the bay overcame tragedy and strife to become the beloved city it is today. Starring a cast of notable figures, including Harvey Milk, Janis Joplin and Jim Jones.

A true classic, this fascinating memoir -- first published in 1926 -- lifts the lid on Black’s life as a safecracker, thief, gambler, opium addict and hobo riding the rails of the American West. With an introduction by William Burroughs.

First published in 1963, this true crime classic is now out in a special edition. Bruce recounts the Rock’s transition from a Spanish fort to the infamous penitentiary, temporary home of legendary criminals like Al Capone and the Birdman of Alcatraz (Robert Stroud). He also includes descriptions of Frank Morris’ escape attempt alongside archival photos.

At the ideal intersection of rich farmlands and the Pacific Ocean, San Francisco is a reputable food destination. Peters delves into the city’s culinary history, from early Spanish missions and ongoing immigrant influences to current fixation on local ingredients.

Defecting from the prevailing style of Abstract Expressionism, a number of Bay Area artists began experimenting with painting the human figure again in the 1950s. This full-color book about the resulting movement is a perfect addition to your library before or after a trip to San Francisco's museums.

In the 1860s and 70s, a former stagecoach messenger named Bret Harte dazzled the literary world with his tales of Gold Rush-era California. These 15 rough-and-tumble stories include some of the best he ever wrote.

This "111 Places" guide to San Francisco profiles so many strange and original places that it will surprise even loyal residents. Each hidden gem reveals the history and unique flavor of the Californian city.

Afternoon: Program Registration: After you have your room assignment, come over to the Road Scholar table in the lobby to register with the program staff and get your welcome packet containing your name-tag, up-to-date schedule that reflects any last-minute changes, and other important information. If you arrive late, please ask for your packet when you check in. Orientation: The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the program theme, the up-to-date Daily Schedule and any changes, discuss safety guidelines, emergency procedures including contact numbers for key staff, roles and responsibilities, and answer any questions you may have. Indicated times are approximate. We have set aside some free time in the schedule for your personal independent exploration. Please be aware that program activities, schedules, and personnel may need to change due to local circumstances. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

Dinner: In the hotel. Menus are designed to offer balanced, healthy choices. This evening, enjoy a plated, 3-course dinner plus complimentary coffee, tea, soda, and water; other beverages available for purchase.

Evening: Continue getting to know your fellow participants, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.

DAY

2

San Francisco History, City Hall, San Francisco Highlights

San Francisco, CA

B,L,D

Holiday Inn San Francisco-Golden Gateway

Activity note: In the morning, public bus to and from City Hall. In the afternoon, narrated exploration of highlights of San Francisco via private coach which is four hours long with stops for bathroom breaks and photo ops.

Morning: In the hotel, engage in San Francisco's colorful history through a slide-illustrated lecture peppered with fascinating anecdotes about the characters that made San Francisco the city that it is. Learn about the tumultuous beginnings of "Baghdad-by-the-Bay." After class, we will take a public bus to San Francisco's majestic City Hall for a docent-led visit. The dome is the fifth largest in the world, taller than the U.S. Capitol by 42 feet.

Lunch: In the hotel, enjoy a plated, 3-course dinner plus complimentary coffee, tea, soda, and water; other beverages available for purchase.

Afternoon: Get to know San Francisco. You will board a private motorcoach and learn about "The City by the Bay" as a local expert narrates.

Dinner: We will eat out at a popular diner near the hotel. You may order your meal and a non-alcoholic drink of your choice from the restaurant menu; other beverages available for purchase. Water is included.

Evening: On your own to do what interests you most.

DAY

3

1906 Film, Chinatown, Wells Fargo Museum

San Francisco, CA

B,L

Holiday Inn San Francisco-Golden Gateway

Activity note: Public bus to Chinatown which requires a transfer. Walking through Chinatown involves some streets with inclines. Public bus back to hotel.

Breakfast: Breakfast in hotel

Morning: In the hotel, we will watch and discuss "The Damnedest Finest Ruins" which is a documentary about the 1906 earthquake and its aftermath. The filmmaker, James Dalessandro, will lead the class. After class, we proceed to Chinatown where a local expert will lead us on a narrated walking exploration through Chinatown which is the oldest Chinese settlement in North America and one of the largest outside Asia. As we stroll crowded streets, your senses will be enlivened by the mix of residents, tourists, sights, sounds, and scents -- an experience you won’t forget!

Lunch: We will have a Dim Sum (several small plates) lunch together in a mouthwatering Chinese restaurant. Hot tea and water are included; other beverages are available for purchase. Sik fan! (Let’s eat!)

Afternoon: After lunch, we wrap our walk through Chinatown before heading to the Wells Fargo Museum. Located in Wells Fargo's world headquarters, the museum brings San Francisco in the 1800s to life. You will experience an authentic Concord Stagecoach used by Wells Fargo in the 1860s, a working telegraph where you can send a message to another Wells Fargo museum, works of art by noted Western artists, and real gold from California gold country.

Dinner: This meal had been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and give directions.

Evening: On your own to do what interests you most.

DAY

4

Nob Hill, Grace Cathedral, Cable Car Museum, Ferry, Alcatraz

San Francisco, CA

B

Holiday Inn San Francisco-Golden Gateway

Activity note: We’ll be taking a short ferry ride (approximately 20 minutes) from San Francisco to Alcatraz Island ($36 value). Walking up to 1 mile including steep hill (equaling four stories) from Alcatraz dock to penitentiary; tram available for those who cannot walk up and/or down the hill; uneven terrain.

Breakfast: Breakfast in hotel

Morning: We arrive atop Nob Hill for a narrated walking exploration beginning with Grace Cathedral which started as Grace Chapel in 1849, the year of the Gold Rush. By 1906, the third Grace Cathedral had been built and then destroyed by the earthquake on April 18. The railroad baron/banker Crocker family gave their ruined Nob Hill property for a diocesan cathedral. Work began on the present structure in 1928. Designed in French Gothic, it was completed in 1964 as the third largest Episcopal cathedral in the nation. Nob Hill was settled in the late 19th century. Because of the views and its central position, the hill became a magnet for the rich and wealthy. Leland Stanford, Collis Potter Huntington, Mark Hopkins, and Charles Crocker—the Big Four of the Central Pacific Railroad—all had mansions on Nob Hill which were all destroyed during the 1906 earthquake. After the earthquake, many wealthy families moved to Pacific Heights. The only remaining mansion was James Flood’s house which is now the Pacific-Union Club, a men’s social club. The Fairmont Hotel was newly built when the earthquake hit in 1906. It survived the earthquake relatively unscathed but succumbed to the fire. When it came time to rebuild, Julia Morgan, the first woman to graduate from the prestigious Ecole des Beaux Arts in Paris, was chosen as the architect. Board a private motorcoach to the Cable Car Museum which is located in a historic cable car barn and powerhouse. The museum deck overlooks the huge engines and winding wheels that pull the cables. Downstairs is a viewing area of the large sheaves and cable line entering the building through the channel under the street. We reboard the bus to for a narrated excursion through the Ferry Building at the foot of Market Street, along the Embarcadero. When it opened in 1898, the Ferry Building became the transportation hub of San Francisco. Today, it is a foodie paradise frequented by tourists and nearby office workers.

Lunch: This meal had been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and give directions.

Afternoon: Alcatraz – “The Rock” -- has been a Civil War fortress, federal prison, bird sanctuary, first lighthouse on the West Coast, and birthplace of the American Indian Red Power movement, as well as the most infamous Federal penitentiary. Upon arrival at the Alcatraz dock for our field trip, we will be greeted by a National Park Service ranger who will give a brief orientation including information on any special activities available that day. The remainder of this field trip will be a self guided exploration you can follow according to your own interests, at your own pace. Park Service staff offer free programs to visitors throughout the day on topics such as escapes, military history, American Indian occupation, natural history, and more. There are numerous exhibits to see as well as a complimentary cell house audio tour covering the penitentiary era (1934-1963).

Dinner: This meal had been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and give directions.

Evening: On your own to do what interests you most.

DAY

5

Napa Valley Wine Train Thanksgiving Feast

San Francisco, CA

B,L,D

Holiday Inn San Francisco-Golden Gateway

Activity note: Private coach to/from the town of Napa is 60 to 90 minutes each way, depending on traffic. Train ride is approximately four hours long.

Breakfast: Breakfast in hotel

Morning: After breakfast, we will board a private coach and depart for the town of Napa. Once there, we will board the Napa Valley Wine Train for a Thanksgiving Day feast and celebration. The train runs through the heart of beautiful Napa Valley, As you gaze out of the windows, you will be surrounded by vineyards, bucolic hills, and luscious scenery.

Lunch: We will enjoy a plated 3-course Thanksgiving Day feast upon the Napa Valley Wine Train. Water and one glass of wine are included; other beverages are available for purchase.

Afternoon: Our train ride continues to the town of St. Helena where the train turns around and heads back to Napa. We will arrive at the station mid-afternoon and board the coach for the return to the hotel.

Dinner: In the hotel. This evening, enjoy a plated, 3-course dinner plus complimentary coffee, tea, soda, and water; other beverages available for purchase.

Evening: After dinner, the Group Leader will take you by public bus to San Francisco's waterfront for a leisurely stroll. You will see the dancing lights on the Bay Bridge and enjoy the beauty of San Francisco at night.

DAY

6

Program Concludes

San Francisco, CA

B

Breakfast: Breakfast in hotel

Morning: Our program concludes after breakfast. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Please join our Facebook page and share photos of your program. Visit us at www.facebook.com/rsadventures. Best wishes for all your journeys! Our program will conclude by 11:00AM. On this final day, you will truly appreciate why Tony Bennett and millions of other visitors leave their hearts in San Francisco. We hope you enjoy all your Road Scholar adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. We encourage you to join our Facebook page and share photos of your program. Visit us at www.facebook.com/rsadventures. Best wishes for all your journeys!

Meals

11 Meals

5 Breakfasts

3 Lunches

3 Dinners

The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Gluten Free, Low Salt, Low Fat, Vegetarian

Lodging

Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.

The 26-story Holiday Inn San Francisco Golden Gateway Hotel, just steps away from the historic California Cable Car turnaround, offers fantastic city views. The newly-renovated guest rooms begin on the 6th floor. Located in the lower Nob Hill / Pacific Heights neighborhood, the hotel is near all major attractions: the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman's Wharf, Pier 39, Chinatown, North Beach and Union Square. The hotel has a gym and rooftop outdoor heated pool.

This was my 1st Group Tour...but NOT my Last! Perfect Program - see San Francisco in all her Glory! Amazing educational materials and experts. Nicely balanced amounts of classes and field-trips. Group mbrs. were fun and flexible! And the yumminess of the food...I HIGHLY recommend Signature Cities:San Francisco !!

If you sign up for this trip be sure you are able to climb and descend steep sidewalks and can climb steps. If you have knee or hip issues, this trip will be challenging for you. Great trip but you will need stamina.

This program provided a great combination of wide exposures to the San Francisco area with a solid depth of engagement. Great tour personnel, interesting sites, and yummy food exposures complimented the fascinating learning that I enjoyed so much.